Where are the Dholes?

We have been camera trapping in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand for over two and a half years.  From 30 January 2008 through 20 June 2010, cameras placed at 276 locations totaled 5,794 trap nights.  (The below maps shows where we set up cameras and where we photographed dholes).  Camera trap surveys resulted in a total of 2,541 wildlife photos. Sixteen carnivore species were caught on camera.  Overall, elephants (n=722), sambar deer (n=241), and Malayan porcupine (n=238) were the most common recorded species.  We targeted camera set up in areas to consistently locate one target dhole pack with six pack members.  Our camera trapping has provided a baseline picture of population distribution, information that is critical for selecting study sties for a detailed ecological study using radio tracking.

North Carolina Trapping

This week I attended an excellent excellent Safe-Capture International Inc. immobilization course taught by Dr. Keith Amass.  I learned an incredible amount of useful information for handling animals safety in the field.  I then spent two days in the field with a graduate student studying road-crossings and red-wolf ecology in North Carolina.  We caught a 450lb black bear and I helped work through the processing of the animal to place a radio-collar.  I also attended a Trapper Education Program developed by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.  We got hands on experience with the best practices for trapping and I am now a certified trapper in North Carolina.

North Carolina Trapping Photos

Smithsonian's GIS Lab (Again)

I'm currently at the Smithsonian’s GIS lab in Front Royal, Virginia to focus on data analysis and writing.  Luckily, I have a very helpful intern who is processing 500 of my interview survey responses.

My field assistant continues to monitor camera traps and is trying to get collars on other dogs.  I did receive a travel grant from my department at UMass, so I am ready to return to Thailand!

It's been awhile since I've been hiking in the snow...Shenandoah NP with Maureen, Kate, Vincent, and Yang. (Picture from Maureen)